Kayak Tour Bay of Palma

The best part of this Bay of Palma outing is the change of pace: you leave Ca’n Pastilla Beach by kayak and head for Na Galera islet, a small coastal landmark associated with archaeological finds. There’s time along the way to swim and snorkel, so this is as much a sea outing as a paddling lesson.

I like two things in particular: an instructor stays with the group, and the package includes the practical gear, from a life jacket and mask to water shoes. The accompanying motorboat and the guide’s photos are useful extras, too.

The main consideration is that this is an active water trip, not a sightseeing cruise. You need to be comfortable in the water, and the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, children under 10, people with vertigo, or pregnant women.

At a glance: Ca’n Pastilla to Na Galera

• Route: Paddle from Ca’n Pastilla Beach toward Na Galera islet and return to the starting point.
• Time on the water: The tour lasts two hours, including time for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and a snack.
• No kayak background needed: An instructor gives a briefing on paddling technique and safety before you set off.
• Gear is supplied: Kayak equipment, life jacket, snorkeling mask, water shoes, and weather-dependent neoprene or lycra are included.
• A motorboat accompanies the group: It follows the excursion, while an instructor guides the paddlers.
• Price: About $56 per person, including a sandwich, bottled water, and photos taken by the instructors.

Setting off from Ca’n Pastilla Beach

The tour begins at BonaOna Surf School & Bar, on Ca’n Pastilla Beach. You’ll want to arrive already wearing your swimsuit; bring a towel and an ID card or passport, too. There is no toilet at the starting point, so plan accordingly before you arrive.

Before paddling, the instructor provides your kayak equipment and life jacket, plus a snorkeling mask and water shoes. A wetsuit or lycra layer is available depending on the weather. If you need wet shoes, contact the local provider ahead of time rather than assuming a particular size or fit will be waiting.

The briefing is important even if you have kayaked before. The instructor explains how to handle the kayak, how to paddle, and which safety rules to follow. If this is your first time, it gives you a chance to get comfortable before heading away from the beach. If you already know the basics, it helps you understand how the group will travel together.

Kayaking here is a group activity, not a race. You’ll be sharing the route with other paddlers and following the instructor, so expect to keep a manageable pace rather than setting off on your own. The motorboat accompanies the outing, an extra layer of support that can be reassuring when you’re new to the sport.

Paddling across the Bay of Palma

Once you leave Ca’n Pastilla, the outing turns from beach time into a short coastal journey. The destination is Na Galera islet, with a guide leading the group along the south coast of Mallorca. You’ll see the shoreline from the water, a different angle from the usual beach or promenade view.

The trip is billed as a two-hour experience, and that time includes more than paddling. There are planned opportunities for a break, photos, swimming, snorkeling, and looking for marine life. The exact time spent on each activity is not specified, so think of the schedule as a guided outing with several kinds of stops, not a fixed-length snorkel session.

Na Galera gives the route a point of interest beyond the scenery. Archaeological materials and evidence of past settlements have been discovered on the islet. That context adds a little depth to what might otherwise be a simple paddle along the coast. The tour is not described as an archaeological visit on land, though, so expect to appreciate the islet as part of the sea route rather than as a guided ruins tour.

The trip returns to its starting point at Ca’n Pastilla. That makes the outing straightforward to plan around if you’re staying nearby, but there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to make your own way to BonaOna Surf School & Bar.

Swimming and snorkeling between paddles

The breaks are what make this more than a kayak lesson. You’ll have a chance to get into the water, swim, and use the supplied snorkeling mask. The tour also includes marine-life viewing, though no particular species or level of visibility is guaranteed.

Water shoes are provided and are especially useful for walking on rocks, according to the activity details. They’re a practical inclusion: you don’t have to bring your own pair unless you prefer to. The provider asks you to get in touch if you need wet shoes, so do that before the day if the standard provision may not work for you.

The experience is best for someone who wants to be active and is happy to get wet. It is explicitly unsuitable for non-swimmers, so a life jacket should not be treated as a substitute for being able to swim. If you’re uneasy in open water, have vertigo, or are pregnant, this tour is not a good fit.

No previous kayaking experience is required, which makes the outing accessible to beginners who meet the swimming requirement. The instructor’s briefing covers paddling and safety, and the guide remains with the group. One guest specifically praised instructor Jorge for explaining things about Mallorca and looking after the group. If Jorge is leading your departure, that is a welcome sign of the personal, attentive guiding this trip can offer.

What the $56 price includes

At about $56 per person, the price covers the kayak and its equipment, instruction, a life jacket, snorkeling mask, water shoes, bottled water, and a sandwich. You can request a vegetarian sandwich, and neoprene or lycra is provided depending on weather conditions. Instructor-taken photos are included as well.

That bundle matters because the less obvious costs of a water activity can add up. You don’t need to source a kayak, mask, or shoes yourself, and you’re not left to arrange a snack and water during a two-hour outing. The motorboat accompaniment is also part of the experience, rather than an optional add-on.

Still, value depends on what you want from the morning or afternoon. If you’re looking for a long excursion, a full meal, or a substantial guided history tour, two hours may feel brief. If you want a compact outing that combines paddling, a swim, and a coastal destination, the included gear and snack make the price easier to justify.

Photos taken by instructors are a nice extra, but don’t bring valuables with the expectation of keeping them dry or secure. There is a place to store clothes and personal belongings until the activity ends, but the provider specifically advises against bringing valuable items. Keep your essentials simple.

What to bring, and what to leave behind

Arrive in swimwear and bring a towel. Bring an ID card or passport, as requested, and leave jewelry at home. You’re also asked not to bring drones, fishing gear, alcohol, or drugs.

There is storage for clothes and personal belongings, but sensible packing is still the best approach. You’ll be on the water, and the activity provider warns against bringing valuables. Don’t plan around being able to use a toilet at the meeting point; there isn’t one there.

The tour is available with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide. Check the available starting times when choosing a date, since the schedule varies. The activity lasts two hours, but the exact departure time depends on availability.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This is a good choice if you want a modest physical challenge and a close look at the coast from the water. You don’t need prior kayak experience, and the instructor’s orientation helps make the first few strokes less daunting. The mix of paddling and swim stops also breaks up the effort.

It suits couples, friends, or solo visitors who are comfortable in the sea and want an organized activity rather than a rental kayak and a self-guided route. The instructor-led format and accompanying motorboat make it more supported than heading out alone, while still keeping the outing active.

It is less suitable if you want to stay dry, prefer a motorboat tour, or need a long rest period. It’s also not an option for children under 10, people with vertigo, non-swimmers, or pregnant women. Check the restrictions carefully before booking rather than hoping the guide can make an exception.

Should you book the Bay of Palma kayak tour?

Book this if you can swim, are happy to paddle, and want a two-hour coastal outing with snorkeling and a stop near Na Galera. The best value comes from the included equipment, instruction, snack, water, and photos, along with a motorboat accompanying the group. The route also offers a small dose of local context through the islet’s archaeological discoveries.

Skip it if you’re after a passive cruise, need hotel transport, or are uncomfortable in open water. For the right person, it’s a practical, active way to spend part of a day on Mallorca’s coast without needing kayaking experience or bringing much gear of your own.

FAQ

How long is the kayak tour?

The activity lasts two hours. Check availability for the departure times offered on your date.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at BonaOna Surf School & Bar at Ca’n Pastilla Beach.

Where does the kayak route go?

The group paddles from Ca’n Pastilla toward Na Galera islet and returns to the starting point.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. The instructor gives an orientation on kayak handling, paddling techniques, and safety before the trip.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What equipment is included?

The included equipment includes a kayak, life jacket, snorkeling mask, and water shoes. Neoprene or lycra is provided depending on weather conditions.

Is food included?

Yes. The tour includes a ham and cheese sandwich, or a vegetarian option by request, plus a bottle of water.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.